SFI Condemns Feet-Washing Rituals in RSS-Controlled Kerala Schools, Calls for Legal Action

Thiruvananthapuram: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has strongly condemned the recent incidents in which students were made to wash the feet of teachers in RSS-affiliated schools across Kerala as part of Guru Purnima, also observed as Vyas Jayanti. The organisation described the practice as deeply deplorable and incompatible with the values of a reformed, modern society.

SFI leaders M. Shivaprasad, state president, and Sanjeev P.S., state secretary, said in a statement that while Kerala’s education sector has earned global recognition by upholding progressive, secular, and democratic ideals, such incidents only serve to push it backwards. They called the act unacceptable and a violation of the spirit of education and constitutional values.

The federation pointed out that the rituals were reportedly conducted in several districts, where students were compelled to carry out the act of ‘paadaseva’ under school instruction. SFI claimed the events expose a deliberate ideological attempt by the RSS to impose its vision of the caste-based Chaturvarna system in society, disguised under the label of tradition and reverence.

The organisation further stated that the teacher-student relationship has been clearly defined by constitutional principles and educational guidelines. It said the continuation of such outdated and hierarchical practices in certain RSS-run schools reflects a blatant disregard for these standards. SFI urged the public to treat the issue with seriousness, noting that such ceremonies are not mere symbolic gestures but part of a larger ideological push that contradicts the inclusive and scientific outlook Kerala’s education system stands for.

Calling the practice uncivilised and regressive, SFI demanded that the relevant authorities launch a thorough investigation into the incidents. The statement also emphasised the need for strict legal action against those responsible to prevent any recurrence of such events within educational institutions.